NEW YORK — The Source magazine assembled Ludacris, Kurtis Blow, Mobb Deep, Lady Saw, Fat Joe, Silkk the Shocker, Remy Ma, Lil Jon, Vivica A. Fox, DMC and the WWE's John Cena on Thursday , and that was just to announce their upcoming awards show. Imagine who'll show up when the real shindig tapes October 10 in Miami for broadcast November 30 on BET.

Kanye West shined as a rapper and producer, with songs he either put out himself or produced for other acts earning seven nominations. Ludacris is up for six awards, and despite denouncing The Source and its co-owner Ray Benzino time and time again, G-Unit members could also take home up to six awards for either their work together, individually or as guest artists. Together, G-Unit are up for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and for Single of the Year - Group for "Stunt 101."

The Jiggaman didn't do too shabbily, either. Jay-Z scored four nominations, most notably for Artist of the Year - Male Solo, Lyricist of the Year and Album of the Year, where his The Black Album faces off against Kanye's The College Dropout, Twista's Kamikaze, Luda's Chicken-N-Beer and G-Unit's Beg for Mercy.

Check out photos from the Source Awards press conference

"Although it's been around for 30 years now, we're seeing the beginning of the hip-hop generation really taking charge and becoming the dominant force in moving this country forward in the next 10 or 20 years," Source founder Dave Mays said at the press conference.

NBA star Jalen Rose of the Toronto Raptors, who was there to help announce the nominees, told the rappers and other attendees he was elated to see hip-hop take it this far.

"Being born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, I wanna say thank you to The Source for being like a bible to hip-hop, making me feel like these ladies and gentlemen were in my living room every day," he said. "I could go buy The Source and follow these ladies and gentleman. I want to give you much respect, not only as a fan, but as role models. I see the things y'all doing, I hear the positive things y'all saying. Keep doing y'all damn thing."